#United States #Hartford #Lhakpa Sherpa #Mountain Queen #Alan Blassberg

Legal Dispute Emerges Over Netflix Film

The Netflix film, Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, is currently making waves in the film industry, not only for its compelling narrative and critical acclaim but also for the legal controversies surrounding its production. The film has secured a nomination for the 2024 Academy Awards, alongside winning both a 2025 Sports Emmy and a 2025 Peabody Award for its remarkable storytelling. However, this praise has been overshadowed by a lawsuit filed by filmmaker Alan Blassberg, who claims that his hard work and creative effort were exploited without due credit.

Background of the Lawsuit

Alan Blassberg, a Connecticut native turned California resident, has taken legal action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. He has alleged that his copyright and contract rights were violated in the production of the Netflix film. The lawsuit includes prominent media companies such as Netflix, SK Global, OBB Media, MakeMake Entertainment, and Avocados and Coconuts – the latter co-founded by Dalia Burde – as defendants.

The core of the lawsuit revolves around Blassberg's project titled Goddess of the Sky, which narrates the life of Lhakpa Sherpa, a world-record-holding climber who, despite her achievements, faced personal struggles. Blassberg spent over five years developing this film, during which Lhakpa allegedly entered into a contract with him that was subsequently breached by collaborating with other parties involved in Mountain Queen.

Allegations Against the Defendants

The amended complaint cites that Lhakpa Sherpa had access to unpublished material and copyrighted works that Blassberg had provided, which were purportedly used without acknowledgment or compensation to him in the development of Mountain Queen. The film was sold to Netflix shortly after its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2023 and officially released on July 31, 2024.

According to Blassberg's attorney, Noel C. Pace, the situation is particularly distressing as the project was not only a film but also a testament to Blassberg's emotional and financial investments. Pace expresses frustration over the defendants' refusal to acknowledge Blassberg's contributions, stating, "Their refusal to credit his work is not just unfair—it's unlawful. When given a chance to do the right thing, Sherpa and these companies chose not to."

The Response from the Defendants

Attorney Elysa Galloway, representing Blassberg, has emphasized that professionalism, mutual consent, and proper compensation could have prevented this legal situation. The team behind the lawsuit is seeking accountability for what they believe is a clear violation of copyright laws and contractual agreements.

Amidst mounting pressure, Blassberg's legal team hopes that the court will ensure justice is served, paving the way for creators in the film industry to protect their work from exploitation.

For updates on this ongoing situation, further information is available on the website goddessofthesky.com.